Supporting International Overdose Awareness Day

The theme for this year’s International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on Saturday 31 August is ‘Together we can’, highlighting the power of community when we all stand together and experience meaningful connections.

IOAD is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.

Between July 2023 and June 2024, more than 160 people attended A&E in Brighton & Hove because of a drug related overdose. 

It’s important to remember that most fatal overdoses are unintentional. Anyone can overdose, it’s not only those who use illegal substances. The use of alcohol and prescription medications can also contribute to overdose.

It could be someone’s friend, someone’s brother or someone’s hero. Overdose does not discriminate. But it is preventable if you reduce your risk, know the signs, and find support.

Showing support locally

Councillor Tristram Burden, the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health, and Service Transformation, said “Our Public Health Team will be working with community partners to support International Overdose Awareness Day.   

“Events are taking place across the city to both commemorate the tragic loss of life and to highlight the power of our community. It’s also a vital opportunity to highlight the risks around drug use and let people know the range of services and support the city offers.

“Remembering those who have died of overdose is the most important part of the day. If you would like to commemorate somebody, please add your tribute to the International Overdose Awareness Day website.”

International Overdose Awareness Day events

Cascade Creative Recovery, a local charity dedicated to welcoming people in recovery from substance and alcohol use, along with the Brighton & Hove Recovery Service (CGL) and other partners, are hosting a series of events in the city on 31st August using performance art to highlight and educate the public around the issue of overdose. 

The events will take place at 12 noon at Jubilee Square and 12.30pm at the Unitarian Church in New Road, Brighton. 

There will also be a memorial tree planting event in the Brighthelm gardens from 1.30pm to remember people lost to an overdose. The event will include songs from Cascade Recovery Choir, poems from Cascade, and speeches.

Brighton Palace Pier and the Brighton Centre will also be lit up in purple on the night, the colour of Overdose Awareness Day.

Anyone can overdose, reduce the risk

Brighton and Hove City Council Public Health team in no way endorse the use of recreational drugs – but we know that people do and will use them. Please consider the following points if you or anyone you know is using drugs:

  • You can overdose on any type of drug, especially if mixed with other substances 
  • Purity varies – treat every new batch as an unknown substance. Start low and go slow 
  • Don’t mix – prescriptions, over the counter medicines and alcohol will all have an impact on other substances you take
  • Don’t feel pressured to use drugs or drink alcohol because others around you are
  • If you do choose to take drugs, do your research first and make sure you know emergency first aid
  • Never use alone. Make sure you are in a safe place with people around that can help in an emergency 
  • Remember that tolerance reduces after a period of abstinence 
  • Carry Naloxone, a medication used to temporarily reverse effects of opioid drugs 

Help to save lives, know the signs 

Common signs of an overdose include:

  • Choking or snore-like gurgling sounds
  • Unresponsive to noise or touch
  • Lethargy and slurred speech
  • Blue lips or fingernails
  • Low and shallow breathing
  • Pale and clammy face

If you suspect someone has overdosed call 999. If available, administer Naloxone as soon as possible.

There’s more information on overdose awareness on Change Grow Live’s website. 

Get support

Find out more about the support available in Brighton & Hove for drug or alcohol misuse.